Project Manager

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. The Services Deployment Project Manager within Services plays a critical role in delivering complex network deployment programs, including optical network deployments, from site readiness through customer acceptance. This role is execution focused and well suited for experienced deployment project managers who thrive in multi-vendor, customer-facing environments and are motivated to deepen their expertise in Infra networking while delivering safe, on-time, and high-quality outcomes across Japan.

How you will make an impact:

• Lead end-to-end network deployment programs, including optical network deployments, from installation through turn-up and customer acceptance
• Own and manage deployment schedules by aligning field activities, material availability, and resource plans using structured project management practices
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Field Services, and external delivery partners to enable seamless execution
• Identify, manage, and mitigate deployment risks related to site readiness, safety, logistics, access constraints, and regulatory compliance
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely status updates on schedule, risks, and costs to customers and internal stakeholders
• Drive issue resolution across multiple workstreams while maintaining strong, trust-based customer relationships
• Champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the deployment lifecycle

The must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in engineering, telecommunications, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale network or infrastructure deployment projects, including optical or transport environments
• Demonstrated experience coordinating field teams, subcontractors, and vendors across multiple sites
• Working knowledge of network deployment lifecycles, site readiness, and acceptance processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or comparable project scheduling and reporting tools
• Strong customer-facing communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across cultures and functions

Nice to haves:

• Experience with Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) or Optical Transport Network (OTN) technologies, or demonstrated ability to quickly ramp in complex network domains
• Familiarity with deployment practices, site access norms, and regulatory considerations in Japan
• Project Management Professional (PMP)® or equivalent project management certification
• Experience supporting commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance activities
• Exposure to multi-vendor or multi-technology rollout programs across regions

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.